The Cotswold Lavender Farm

“It always seems to me as if the lavender was a little woman in a green dress, with a lavender bonnet and a white kerchief. She’s one of those strong, sweet, wholesome people, who always rest you, and her sweetness lingers long after she goes away”- Myrtle Reed

Despite the days now being crisp, cold and very autumnal, I think a bit of sunshine and lavender can still be appreciated outside of the summer months. This post is all about the Cotswold Lavender Farm, a brilliant visit which is not too far from where I live.

The farm is on the outskirts of a small idyllic village called Snowshill (if you get to visit and are new to the area then there are brown tourist signs with directions). The nearest train station is in Moreton on Marsh, which you can get a taxi from if you are not driving, Moreton is also a lovely place to visit. The farm is also only about two miles from the town of Broadway, which is a gorgeous and very traditional looking Cotswolds town, if you want to combine it to make the most of visiting the beauty of the area. There are directions on their website if you need them too.

The method used to distil the lavender oil is both a simple and traditional method. The crop is harvested and collected in a trailer. Collected rainwater that is heated to steam is then put into the trailer through pipes. The oil from the lavender evaporates in to the steam due to the intense heat and is then piped in to a condenser, where cold rainwater is then used to return the product to an oil state. After being put in to a separator to divide the water and oil, the oil is then collected.

The shop and tea room are closed over the winter months, but are certainly worth a visit in the summer, set in a classic stone barn. The online shop is available to use all year round. There is a huge range of lavender products, from the plant itself, to bath and body products, oils, candles, and even lavender chocolate!

The vibrant purple tones of the lavender have been growing here since 1999. There is an incredible 500,000 plants on this farm alone, and 40 varieties within these. The lavender is cut and the oil distilled on the same day, and is then aged for a year before use.

There is also a variety of wildflowers that appear in the Spring throughout the fields, such as cornflowers and poppies. Chamomile is also a new edition to what is being harvested here, used in tea and similar to lavender, can help you sleep.

Looks absolutely stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit a Lavender Farm, but never got around to it. Was planning to go in August, but went to India instead. By the time we got back, the one in the outskirts of London had closed. Will make sure to go next year!